Getting to Know You

"Getting to Know You" was made for the Fringe. Its intimate setting- the house caps at eight audience members per show- and circular seating cultivate the feeling of community that the Fringe is all about. As an audience member, you have minute long conversations with each of the different characters, all of who come in emotionally charged, and watch different stories unfold, all at different times. Annie Lesser presents these mysteries and encourages audience members to talk amongst themselves after the show to put together all of the characters story lines. It's fun, it's short, it's about getting to know strangers. Go, it's worth it. Brigid Marshall describes the rehearsal process as well as the skills required to be involved ... full review

I was really impressed with this show. I've been fascinated about how you were going to pull off eight one-on-one stories in kind of a speed dating format ever since you mentioned it at one of the early Fringe workshops. Well worth the wait! Not that it's limited to actors, but I really felt like I got to exercise my acting and improv skills during the course of this show. Not only are you interacting with the actors one at a time, they're talking to you as specific characters in your life. The more you play along, the more you get immersed in their worlds. A very surreal and rewarding experience. I was particularly affected by Dasha Kittredge's performance. I don't want to give anything away, but her particular exchange with me had... full review

The most unique experience I've had at the fringe thus far! Whilst attempting to avoid potential spoilers, I will continue: Think speed-dating meets fringe show meets improvisation. The actors certainly have their work cut out for them in this interactive rendezvous, and they deliver superbly! Annie Lesser created a very interesting concept and brought it to life on stage. The only catch is that I miss my favorite part of a story: the arc. Thus, I present the most crucial recommendation I can make if you see this piece: TALK TO THE OTHER AUDIENCE MEMBERS AFTER THE SHOW! It's most certainly a lively and engaging way to spend 45 minutes. Think outside the box and give it a try! See it if: you want to see something you might not ... full review

Up front, I gotta say I'm not the ideal audience for the crazily inventive show. I'm not usually fond of audience interaction, much less a heavily immersive piece like this; let me sit in the back row and please don't even so much as look me in the eye. Still, this is so firmly in the wheelhouse of Fringe and certain audience members are going to adore it. Even with my misgivings, I was so impressed with the writing, acting and creativity on display. There is some seriously thoughtful stuff going on here. The musical chairs approach means you will not get a complete narrative, which is certainly one of it's aims as audience members excitedly question one another after the show to see if they can piece the mystery together. Even a grump like ... full review

"Getting To Know You" is such a great experience. Unlike anything else I have ever been to in the LA Theater realm. It is performance art, interactive theater, and truly different. The cast is so good and creative, and they really give a personalized, intimate performance for each audience member, since if you are in the audience, you are such an integral part of the overall experience. I was amazed at the range of emotions that were stirred up in me thru the course of this show. I have been touched and moved by shows and actors, and words before, but I have to say that it has never, ever been so direct and with such realism. After discussing with some of my fellow audience members, I found out that, of course, I was not alone in that sense.... full review

Go. And I recommend not reading any other reviews - any worthwhile review will say things like "amazing experience" et cetera (and they'll be correct), but the less you know, the more fun it will be. Just buy tickets now.... full review

This experience is an improvisor’s dream. No performance is the same and the remarkable cast is fully prepared to improvise off of however you choose to interact with them. “Getting To Know You” brings impressive life to these varied storylines and leaves you with a feeling of delightful bewilderment. Kudos to Annie Lesser and her extradorinary actors for this gem. ... full review

The concept of this show alone is pretty brilliant. The many possible permutations of these characters (and the way that to some degree, the audience can affect the drama) delighted me. It's almost like a puzzle-- I kept trying to figure out how the characters fit together, to identify common themes, to make it a more cohesive picture. At the same time I found myself very emotionally affected by the interactions, at times getting so drawn into the drama that I almost forgot these were actors (all of whom turned in great character work-- by turns funny, eccentric, familiar, and achingly vulnerable). The interactions are so short, but each packs its own unique punch. It's a show you leave wanting to discuss, prompting you to compare experienc... full review

The following is an excerpt from See It or Skip It LA, for the full written review and podcast reflection; please go to seeitorskipitla.com or click on the link below that states "original article." This show is definitely an experience and it plays nicely with concepts of relationships and communication; and who one is/could be at any moment within various relationships. As the characters rotated around, I interacted with the actors with different intensities and whether you feed into their world or sit back and let them do all the talking, they’re prepared for whatever you throw at them. Annie Lesser (playwright and director) not only created characters, but human beings- and her actors bring them to life.... full review

This is a show to go to if you want to experience theatre, as opposed to just see theatre. I loved the complexities and mysteries of some of the characters, kudos to Annie for creating some compelling story arcs. I wish some of the actors would have been more interactive, as opposed to just sticking to the script...but some actors had a great sense of play, and were actually tuned into the way you felt and responded! Don't see this alone, because you're going to want to chat with your group afterwards to hear all of the different experiences, and try to connect the story lines! This is a very enjoyable experience, especially if you interact and don't just sit in your seat and watch.... full review